I'll admit that when I first watched
The N word, I was outraged that such a big deal is being made out of one simple sentance said by this old dude. How racist is this group of people that get their panties in such a twist over one little, outdated word? I mean damn, how many times did I hear that word when I was in high school?
Every single day! .. care to guess who said it the most? Do you think any particular group could honestly claim they had never said it? Of course not! Before you said it, don't forget to quickly glance around you so that no one would get offended.
Again, back in junior high and high school, I remember wondering what all the fuss was about. This was a time that I enjoyed listening to Fat Boys and Run DMC. Eazy-E used to rip it up with Yella. Hell, NWA's name is all about "...With Attitude" This is probably how it started for me. I was hearing it so often, it would have been natural to use it as was the natural progression for other "bad words" of the day. Since I could decypher the urban slang as if it were a foreign language, I felt a familiarity that begged to be expressed. My buddies and I would sneak it into conversation once in a while and then giggle as if we'd really gotten away with something mischevious.
A good friend of mine to this day often uses a slant on the word in order to make it his own custom word that has his own custom meaning. See if you understand this conversation:
him: "What's up my nirkah?"
me: "Allright!"
As is my understanding, this usage is acceptible because we are both participating as equals in the conversation.
This statment sums it up, "[these words] are only considered
pejorative if used by a non-member of the group" (
source)
A good example of a similar term is "
cracker" This word is similar in that it was a derogatory term at one point. It is not similar in that it doesn't have the historical weight nor embody the decades of disrespect afforded to a people. It is similar only in that it once was derogatory and that it's use is only acceptible between "members of the group" so to speak. If some "non-member" does happen to say the word, it is not an earth shattering event, but merely one that might merit a second thought and a bit of discretion.
In researching much of the content of this article, I have discovered a deeper respect for anyone who takes offense to the use of this word. Always reminded that "The more I learn, the more I realize how little I understand" I have also been made aware of a word or two that shall be excluded from my casual vocabulary effective immediately. Even though grandpa may have said it 20 years ago doesn't mean it's okay to repeat. Adding a little bit of shine may help to keep the children innocent a little longer.
On the same token, if it is to be considered a bad word, then everyone should be penalized. If it is acceptible for "members only" then we'll continue the debate on who the members are in each scenario. "Members only" means only within the group. A "member" has the same business using the term on a "non-member" as a "non-member" does on a "member."
Obviously, the "old white dude" wasn't a member of his students. He's the teacher. Period. No matter what his mindset on trying to identify with them or to be a part of their group. Yes, it is an honors English class which means the students are held to a much higher standard with additional privilidges and responsibilities, but there is still a definite distinction between student and teacher. Clearly, the teacher was out of line, but let's get real.
He verbally abused a student. That's it! Whether this was intentional or not doesn't matter. The student took issue with what was said to him by the teacher. If the teacher can't get a grip on this reality, then he probably needs therapy or an extended vacation. He's the adult. He's the teacher. He is instructing these students. He should be providing some type of proper roll model for the students.
I'm hoping that in time the word will achieve
amelioration and be used with pride. Similar to how this gentleman feels about
CoonAss.
You can read more on
the word itself at
Wikipedia or more on the
Valley High Teacher.
, but in less than an hour after eating a heaping-helping, here comes the burn! 
